🐶 Full Article: How to Stop Leash Pulling: Train Your Dog to Walk by Your Side
Walking your dog should be relaxing — not a battle of strength. If your dog drags you down the street, it’s time to teach loose leash walking.
With the right training, your dog can learn to walk calmly beside you — making walks more enjoyable for both of you.
🛠️ Why Dogs Pull on the Leash
- They’re excited to explore
- They’ve never been taught how to walk nicely
- Pulling gets them where they want to go
- You’ve accidentally reinforced the behavior by following them
✅ 6 Techniques to Stop Leash Pulling
1. Be a Tree
If your dog pulls, stop walking immediately. Don’t move forward until the leash is loose again.
🧠 Movement is a reward. If they pull, they don’t get it.
2. Use High-Value Treats
Keep your dog focused by rewarding them often when they walk beside you. Use a cue like “Heel” or “Close”.
3. Practice in Low-Distraction Areas
Start indoors, in the backyard, or in a quiet street before trying busy parks. Set them up to succeed.
4. Use Direction Changes
Randomly turn left or right during walks. Your dog will learn to check in and stay close.
5. Train with a Front-Clip Harness
These harnesses gently redirect pulling and give you more control. Avoid choke or prong collars.
6. Keep Sessions Short and Fun
Start with 10-minute walks focused just on training. End the walk on a good note so your dog associates leash time with success.
🚫 What NOT to Do
- Don’t jerk the leash
- Don’t shout or scold — it adds stress
- Don’t expect instant perfection
- Don’t reinforce pulling by giving in “just this once”
🐾 Bonus: Reward Calm Before the Walk
If your dog goes wild when you grab the leash — stop. Wait until they calm down before you leave. This sets the tone from the start.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Leash manners aren’t automatic — they’re taught through repetition and rewards. When your dog learns that walking calmly = more freedom and fun, the pulling will stop naturally.
Be consistent, be patient, and take it one step at a time — literally.